Wooden boardwalk winds past red-roofed stone huts and dunes towards a sandy Atlantic beach at Apúlia

Porto & the North · Easy

Atlantic Coast of Portugal walking & Hiking tour

The coast of the Atlantic Ocean is one the best areas to walk on and, at the same time, enjoy the beautiful beaches and the history that the northern towns have to offer. Start this tour in one of the most important cities in Europe, the city of Porto.

Days
8
Distance
86 km
Difficulty
1/5 · 6 walking days, about 14 km a day (86 km in all).
Route
Póvoa de Varzim → Caminha via Castelo do Neiva
Style
Self-guided walking
Group
1–12 travellers
Tour code
PT-ATL-01
From
€1,118
Seafront promenade and cycle path with rope fencing runs beside a harbour and town on a sunny day
Póvoa de VarzimSeafront path by the harbour
Round stone windmills stand among dunes and wooden fencing beside the Atlantic coast at Apúlia
ApúliaOld windmills at Apúlia
Small fishing boats rest on the grass below an old stone fort at Vila Praia de Âncora
Vila Praia de ÂncoraFishing boats at Vila Praia de Âncora
Wooden boardwalk winds past red-roofed stone huts and dunes towards a sandy Atlantic beach at Apúlia
ApúliaBoardwalk to Apúlia beach
Medieval clock tower gateway between arcaded white buildings on the main square of Caminha
CaminhaClock tower in Caminha
More photos (1)
Aerial view of a seafront hotel with red roofs and a pool among the houses of a coastal town
EsposendeSeafront hotel by the coast

Why this tour

The coast of the Atlantic Ocean is one the best areas to walk on and, at the same time, enjoy the beautiful beaches and the history that the northern towns have to offer. Start this tour in one of the most important cities in Europe, the city of Porto. This town is classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site (1996) and it is also been given the title of European Capital of Culture (2001). Along this journey you will find several picturesque villages and monuments, still preserved to this day, mixing it up with long beaches and forests. Enjoy your meals and try the famous Codfish or Seabass, accompanied by the famous Port Wine.

The route

  • The first 3 days are flat on walking paths and paved streets
  • The forth day is flat with some hills
  • The last 2 days are completely flat
  • The path consists of paved streets and boardwalks for most of the time

Good to know

  • Prices are per person, sharing a standard double or twin room.
  • Children sharing a triple room with their parents: 35% off up to 10 years old, 20% from 11 to 14, 15% from 15 to 17.
  • City tax is not included: about €2 per person per night (€4 in Lisbon), paid at the hotel.
  • River or lake ferry crossings are paid on the day (about €2–10 per person).
  • Drinks are not included with the meals that are.
  • Sea-view or premium rooms, where available, on request.
  • Extra nights and private group prices on request.

Route & elevation

0 km↑ 418 m · ↓ -1 m79.3 km
Highest point
418 m
Gradient (avg / max)
3.3% / 21%
Download GPX tracks (6)

Approximate route — your route notes are final. Route data © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0

Day by day

Day 1

Overnight: Hotel 4*: Trindade Hotel

Overnight: Trindade Hotel, Póvoa de Varzim

Day 215 km

The first day starts in the city of Póvoa de Varzim and goes near the coast following the Caminho de Santiago Português da Costa. This day is flat, mixing coastal boardwalks with dirt terrains. Prepare to see beautiful beaches and also farming fields. Upon reaching the village of Apúlia, enjoy some of the delicious food that this town has to offer, like fresh sardines or octopus rice.

Overnight: Hotel 4*: Apúlia Praia Hotel

Day 2 · 15.0 km · ↑ 55 m · ↓ 55 m

Overnight: Apúlia Praia Hotel, Apúlia

Day 316 km

The second day of this walk tour, continues on flat terrain with paved roads. Take the opportunity to visit the Parish Church of Fão, a place of devotion for most pilgrims. Upon reaching Esposende and before going to the hotel, there is another place to take a look at, the Castro de São Lourenço. By climbing the mountain of Castro Lourenço you can see a fortified settlement, in which were found traces that go back to the century IV BC.

Overnight: Hotel 3*: Suave Mar

Day 3 · 16.0 km · ↑ 16 m · ↓ 21 m

Overnight: Suave Mar, Esposende

Day 414 km

On this route of 14 km the walking tour starts near the coast line, with paved roads and enjoying the beautiful beaches that the north of Portugal has to offer. The final destination is Castelo de Neiva. This is a city that dates back to the Iron Age, being later on, in the I and II centuries BC, Romanized. It is a must to visit the local Church that is very important to all the pilgrims that go to Santiago.

Overnight: Farm: Quinta do Monteverde

Day 4 · 14.0 km · ↑ 192 m · ↓ 72 m

Overnight: Quinta do Monteverde, Castelo do Neiva

Day 514 km

Leaving Castelo de Neiva in order to get to Viana do Castelo, you will find a route with several ups and downs until your final destination. Prepare to admire the surroundings with a lot of natural landscape. Halfway you might notice the chapel of Senhora do Castro. In the same area there is a sightseeing viewpoint that captures the beautiful mountainous landscape. While in Viana do Castelo you can visit the Cathedral and the Santa Lúzia Sanctuary.

Overnight: Hotel 4*: Melo Alvim

Day 5 · 14.0 km · ↑ 275 m · ↓ 250 m

Overnight: Melo Alvim, Viana do Castelo

Day 619 km

Nearly nineteen kilometers separate Viana and Vila Praia de Âncora. The walk itself is flat, done mainly on dirt paths and cobblestone roads. It conveys a naturalistic feeling, being most of the walk done in a not so urbanized coast, like in the previous one. Some of the areas that might spark your interest during the day are the several forts and windmills you will find along the way, the lighthouse of Montedor and the Dolmen of Barrosa in Vila Praia de Âncora.

Overnight: Hotel 4*: Hotel Meira

Day 6 · 19.0 km · ↑ 574 m · ↓ 622 m

Overnight: Hotel Meira, Vila Praia de Âncora

Day 78 km

Continuing along the coast and keeping the same type of low land terrain, the walk today gets to the heart of the river that divides Portugal and Spain in their northernmost frontier. This is an easy walk, short in distance and elevation. Spain can already be seen in the previous walk, however today, it is clearly visible in a mountain which looks most like a volcano. Once in Caminha, try the Portuguese fishes, with sardines or roasted codfish.

Overnight: Hotel 4*: Portas do Sol

Day 7 · 8.0 km · ↑ 56 m · ↓ 63 m

Overnight: Portas do Sol, Caminha

Day 8

What's included

Included

  • Accommodations with breakfast (4 stars, farms or rural houses)
  • Luggage shuttling
  • Porto Airport Transfers
  • Trains or Bus Tickets Back to Porto
  • Roadbook + Briefing
  • GPS With route per booking
  • Bag and water bottle
  • 6 light Picnics

Not included

  • Van Support
  • T-shirt
  • Guide
  • 6 Dinners
  • Personal Accident Insurance
  • Liability Insurance
  • Beverages are not included at lunch and dinner when included in the package
  • City taxes is not included in the price package (approximately 2€ per person per night - payable on site - in Lisbon city tax is 4€ per person per night)
  • Ferry (boat) in river / lake crossing is not included in price package (approximately 2€ to 10€ per person)

Extras

  • Solo traveller supplement€206 per person

Where you stay

Accommodation

  • Trindade Hotel

    Night 1

  • Apúlia Praia Hotel

    Night 2

  • Suave Mar

    Night 3

  • Quinta do Monteverde

    Night 4

  • Melo Alvim

    Night 5

  • Hotel Meira

    Night 6

  • Portas do Sol

    Night 7

Prices & dates

Prices per person in a shared twin room.
SeasonDatesPer person (twin)Single supplement
Low season 2026/271 Nov 2026 – 25 Mar 2027€1,118€309
Regular season spring 202726 Mar 2027 – 25 Jun 2027€1,221€339
Summer season 202726 Jun 2027 – 31 Aug 2027€1,376€402
High season 20271 Sept 2027 – 25 Sept 2027€1,324€371
Regular season autumn 202726 Sept 2027 – 31 Oct 2027€1,221€339

Choose your dates

Start on any date in the seasons above.

Questions

How do we ensure customer welfare during the tours?

We provide special attention to the welfare of our customers by maintaining an appropriate pace during guided tours, allowing you to enjoy the scenery and the way of life of the Portuguese.

What is the daily schedule like on your tours?

Each day's ride ends in the afternoon, giving you time to relax before the next gastronomic experience, where you can taste regional flavors. We aim to provide an exceptional adventure with a little extra spice.

What types of walking tours do you offer in Portugal?

We offer the following types of walking tours: Self-Guided Tour Guided Tours Guided Tour Plus

What is included in the Self-Guided Tour?

The Self-Guided Tour includes: airport transfers Hotel bookings with breakfast included GPS with route Light picnics Daily luggage transfer to the next hotel Transfer from the destination back to the start point

What is included in the Guided Tours?

The Guided Tours include: includes everything described in the self –Guided tours Guide and support van for the walking tour Water, snacks, and transport for any dropouts Organized lunches and dinners for the group

What additional benefits are included in the Guided Tour Plus?

The Guided Tour Plus includes everything described in the Guided Tours, plus daily lunches and dinners featuring typical dishes of the Portuguese regions.

All 22 questions
How do you classify the routes?

Our route classifications are as follows: Easy (1/5): Mostly flat terrain with daily distances up to 15 km. Easy to Moderate (2/5): Mostly flat terrain with daily distances between 15 km and 25 km, with short climbs up to 20% of the route. Suitable for inexperienced hikers with some fitness preparation. Moderate (3/5): Terrain can be dirt roads or trails, mostly flat with daily distances between 15 km and 25 km, with some climbs up to 40% of the route. Suitable for walkers with fitness preparation. Moderate to Hard (4/5): Terrain can be dirt roads or trails, with daily distances between 15 km and 25 km and moderate climbs up to 60% of the route. Suitable for hikers with fitness preparation who want to challenge themselves. Hard (5/5): Terrain can be dirt roads or trails, with daily distances between 15 km and 30 km and strong climbs up to 60% of the route. Suitable for experienced hikers.

In which languages are guided tours available?

Guided tours are available in Portuguese, and English.

Is insurance included in the tours?

Liability insurance and personal accident insurance are included only in guided tours. We recommend all participants to ensure their Travel Insurance has adequate coverage for Cancellation and Refund, Luggage, Medical Expenses and Repatriation, Death and Permanent Disability.

What should I pack for each hiking holiday?

To ensure you're well-prepared for a hiking experience, we recommend the following gear and clothing. Note that we provide a cycling jersey and bib shorts for all our guests. General Clothing: Bathing suit and sandals Walking shoes/sandals Evening and casual wear Walking Gear: Walking sticks (available upon request) Different pairs of walking socks Walking backpack (available upon request) Walking shoes

How long is a proposal valid?

The proposal is valid for 30 days.

Are city taxes included in the tour price?

No, city taxes are not included and are payable on site. The approximate cost is €1 or €2 per person per night. In Lisbon, the city tax is €4 per person per night, and in Porto, it is €3 per person per night.

Is the proposal a confirmed booking?

No, with a proposal, nothing is confirmed until accommodations are reserved and a deposit is requested.

Are transfers included if I book extra nights at the beginning of the tour?

Yes, transfers are included for extra nights booked at the beginning of the tour, as long as the nights are booked through us.

Are transfers included if I book extra nights at the end of the tour?

No, transfers are not included for extra nights booked at the end of the tour.

How many bags are included in the luggage transfer?

Each person is entitled to one bag for luggage transfer. If you need to transfer additional bags, an extra charge of approximately €100 per bag will apply, depending on the specific bicycle tour you choose.

What happens after I confirm the proposal?

After confirming the proposal, accommodations will be reserved. Once all accommodations are reserved, the tour will be confirmed, and a deposit will be requested.

Are unused services refundable?

No, services not used are not refunded.

How will I be picked up at Porto airport?

Someone will be at Porto airport with a card with your name.

How will I be picked up at Lisbon airport?

For tours starting in Figueira da Foz, Lisbon, or Évora, look for meeting point 3 at Lisbon airport. There will be a card with your name for your transfer.

Can I postpone a tour? What is your flexibility?

Yes, you can postpone a tour. We offer flexibility in our booking policies, allowing you to postpone your walking tour free of charge up to 30 days before the start date, no questions asked. This provides you with the convenience to adjust your plans if needed. Click our full cancellation policy.

What payment methods do you accept?

We offer a variety of payment methods to ensure a convenient and secure booking experience for our customers. We accept the following payment methods: Bank Transfers: Direct bank transfers are accepted, and no fees will be charged. Flywire: We are pleased to offer Flywire as a payment option, providing secure and convenient international payments. Please note that a 2% fee applies for this option. The payment link will be provided once our local partner confirms your tour.

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Who organises this tour

This package is organised by Top Bike tours Portugal, Unipessoal, Lda, licence RNAAT 7/2014 (Turismo de Portugal, I.P.). Groundlevel Tours acts as the travel agency. Package travel information

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